16.08.2012 Views

Engineering

Engineering

Engineering

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

2.7 Management report on the Group Expected developments and and associated opportunities and and risks risks<br />

Pages 174-176 174–176<br />

Pages 99–100. 99–100<br />

In extensive training programs and an interactive compliance e-learning program, we inform our employees<br />

about compliance requirements, infringement risks and potential sanctions. In 2010/2011 more than 3,500<br />

employees worldwide took part in classroom training sessions. To supplement the compliance training<br />

program, we have introduced a Groupwide interactive e-learning program comprising modules on<br />

competition law and combating corruption, which is available in eleven languages. The second cycle of the<br />

e-learning program which started in August 2008 is aimed at refreshing the knowledge of employees who<br />

have taken part previously and for the first time training employees outside Europe. Since the launch of the<br />

second cycle, 25,600 employees worldwide have completed online training courses on competition law and<br />

anti-corruption policies.<br />

A report on pending litigation and claims for damages can be found in the Notes.<br />

Regulatory risks<br />

Our business operations are in some cases closely dependent on the legal framework at national or<br />

European level. Developments such as changes to competition rules in individual sections of the markets<br />

can involve risks for us and lead to higher costs or other disadvantages. To contain these risks we maintain<br />

close working contact with the relevant institutions to prevent distortion of competition.<br />

Based on model calculations, we will face substantial costs for emission allowances in the third trading<br />

period of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme from 2013 to 2020. As an energy-intensive industrial and<br />

services group we face earnings risks if we are unable in the competitive international market to pass on to<br />

our customers all or any of the additional costs. ThyssenKrupp participates both directly and via industry<br />

associations in the discussion process on politically desired energy price surcharges.<br />

Environmental risks<br />

Due to the production processes in our industrial plants, we are exposed to process-related risks that can<br />

lead to air and water pollution. ThyssenKrupp continuously invests in sustainable environmental protection<br />

in our production operations so as to conserve resources and minimize environmental impact over the long<br />

term. Many Group companies have established certified environmental management systems which reduce<br />

the risk of environmental damage.<br />

Some of our real estate no longer used for operations is subject to risks from past pollution and mining<br />

subsidence which we contain with preventive measures and scheduled remediation work. Our real estate<br />

area recognizes adequate provisions for this every fiscal year.<br />

Risks associated with information security<br />

We continually review our information technologies to ensure the secure handling of IT-based business<br />

processes and reduce risks. If necessary, the systems are updated and protected even more effectively.<br />

Further, measures are in place to maximize information security awareness and provide the necessary<br />

technical support for all employees. The IT-based integration of business processes is subject to the<br />

condition that the risks involved for our Group companies and business partners are minimized. In the<br />

reporting year we therefore again carried out extensive measures to further improve our security standards<br />

and our information security management system.<br />

114

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!